Bicycle Mechanics - brakes for 27" to 700 wheel conversion

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TimArchy
08-25-03, 10:39 AM
I'm converting an old 27" road bike to a fixed gear. I was asking some friends about putting 700c wheels on it and they said that the only problem would be finding a front brake that would make the longer reach. Does anyone have any ideas about where I can get a brake with that long reach or how to otherwise remedy the situation?

Beats Walking
08-25-03, 10:48 AM
The difference between a 27" wheel and one that is 700c is about 4mm, I think. Many times you can adjust the brakepads down that far with no problems. I was able to do that on my 1986 Schwinn LeTour/Panasonic when I converted it from 27" to 700c a few monthes ago.
Michel Gagnon
08-25-03, 12:56 PM
Indeed. If you are not sure, try to borrow one. On my old bike frame, the front brake could be lowered sufficiently, while the rear brake could only be lowered by 3 mm (or so it seems). A bit of filing of the brake pad solved the problem.

Another solution: Sheldon Brown has, somewhere on his site, drop bolts for sale.

Dave Stohler
08-25-03, 04:44 PM
A better solution, if you aren't too concerned about weight, is to get a cheap road fork built for 700c, and space it up to the length of the old one.